Buckle up, there will be a little turbulence as we come into the final stages.
I'm just the puppet master, not the theatre owner.
Chapter 37
Edward reluctantly left again for sea. His next visit would be entirely in his own home with his children and Bella and he was looking forward to it. Only two months to wait and then a week to woo. When he was saying his goodbyes he thought he saw something new in Bella's eyes. Something he couldn't explain but it replaced the timid look.
He had really wanted to kiss her again but she had her arms full of twins. He did kiss each of his daughters, several times, and settled his hand on Bella's cheek. He let his thumb stroke over the faint scar that he had put there and tried with his eyes to apologize once again.
This voyage was different from the rest. Some of the crew and a few of the passengers were ill. The same sort of cough that had plagued Beth. Thankfully all of them survived, however, as ship's doctor, Edward was exposed to all of them
It wasn't until the ship docked on foreign shores that Edward fell ill. Perhaps it was the relief of being ashore or having successfully brought all his patients to safety but shortly after docking Edward's body gave out.
The ship's crew took him to the local hospital. The Captain, in moment of malice, released him from his contract and abandoned him to return to sea. Edward was left in a foreign country, knowing very little of the language, sick and alone.
After a fortnight he was deemed improved enough to leave the hospital and was sent to a private home for convalescing. Finally, with a bit of luck, he met there a young lady who not only spoke English but most other languages Edward had heard of. She became his nurse as well as his translator. She also became a very good friend. Her name was Alice.
When Edward's ship returned without him, Carlisle and Esme were horrified. They had to hunt down the Captain who begrudgingly told them the news of Edward's illness. They booked passage on the next available ship and sent word to Bella. They sailed two days later.
Esme was beside her self with worry. The Captain had been less than forthcoming with details of Edward's illness. She would have to fret for the weeks it would take to reach him.
It was a torturous passage, even without the turmoil of not knowing Edward's condition. The sailing was very rough and as Carlisle had a weak stomach, much of their time was spent on deck in inclement weather.
When they finally reached shore and disembarked the ship, it was a struggle with the local language that further delayed them. After a rather amusing episode of Carlisle mimicking a dire illness they were pointed in the direction of the hospital.
Thankfully a few of the doctors spoke passable English and they were able to learn the fate of their son.
After several days in hospital they diagnosed him with quinsy and removed his tonsils. His recovery was slowed by the respiratory infection he was exposed to on ship.
Carlisle and Esme were then redirected to the convalescent home where Edward was staying.
They found him there in quite good health and were introduced to Alice. Due to the injury to Edward's throat Alice held the most of the conversation. She seemed to almost be able to read his mind or know what it is that he was planning to say. Edward could talk however the timbre of his voice had changed. His voice was now more rough and gravelly. It would remain so for a long time.
The Cullens stayed late into the afternoon speaking with Edward and Alice. Alice was a whirlwind to behold, her pattern of speech quick and light occasionally sprinkled with foreign words that made Carlisle chuckle with amusement. Esme was entranced by the tiny person.
They were both taken with the girl and she with them. Edward was released to his parents custody for the remainder of his illness. Together they all managed to convince Alice to accompany them.
Edward wrote a letter to Bella letting her know what was happening and when she could possibly expect their return. He wrote a great deal about Alice and his plans for her. He sincerely hoped that Bella would understand and not be put out by this change in events.
There was nothing he could do, he simply had to have Alice with him and would stop at nothing to make her accompany him home.
AN: Flame away. I'll take it.